Waterton Lakes NP

By Lara Fominoff

Recovery continues

Efforts continue to rebuild infrastructure in Waterton Lakes National Park after 2017 Kenow fire

May 13, 2019 | 3:44 PM

WATERTON LAKES N.P. – More than a year-and-a-half after the 2017 Kenow Fire tore through Waterton Lakes National Park and surrounding areas destroying not only parkland but also infrastructure, efforts to rebuild continue.

According to a news release from Parks Canada, work is being done on more than 30 sites/buildings and other areas that were either damaged or destroyed in the fire. In Jan. 2019, just under $21 million was announced to support Waterton Lakes National Park’s continued recovery from the 2017 blaze.

2017 Kenow Fire Damage

The following is a list of repairs/work currently underway in the park:

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Work is continuing the Red Rock Parkway, where a closure will be necessary for hazard tree removal, rock scaling and infrastructure replacement, including guard rails and signage. The Parkway, Red Rock Canyon day use area and hiking trails will likely open sometime this summer.

Coppermine Creek and Lost Horse Creek day use areas will remain closed.

Work to repair and enhance Cameron Falls viewpoints will begin shortly, including work to repair burned lookouts on the Carthew-Alderson trail, as well as trails and lookouts on the north side of the falls.

Cameron Falls

Bear’s Hump trail and trailhead will remain closed to the public for now. It’s expected to open in the fall of 2019.

Reconstruction of Alpine Stables is underway, and horseback riding should be available sometime this summer.

The playground and splash park have been re-located to the Waterton Community Centre grounds and equipment installation is now underway. It should be open in time for the Canada Day long weekend.

Akamina Parkway will remain closed, likely until sometime in 2020. Hazard tree removal, rebuilding of roadside parking, culvert replacements, ditch excavation, rock scaling and slope stability work are taking place this year. Road construction and paving, guard rail replacements, and signage will get underway next year. It’s expected to re-open sometime in 2021.

Plans are underway to re-build Crandell Mountain Campground. However, debris clean-up, remediating contaminated sites, assessing and removing hazard trees, and building replacement will take time. The area is not expected to open to campers until spring, 2022.

Those visiting the park are encouraged to plan ahead, and to go to the park website for the latest information at www.parkscanada.gc.ca/waterton-construction.